The potential cardiovascular benefits of Eurycoma longifolia (commonly known as Tongkat Ali or Malaysian ginseng) have garnered increased attention in recent years.
So is Tongkat Ali good for the heart?
This review investigates the potential of Tongkat Ali on cardiovascular health, its impact on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), focusing on its effects related to anti-atherosclerotic properties, lipid profile modulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, is a major global health burden. The four primary types of cardiovascular disease include coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and aortic atherosclerosis. These diseases often result from atherosclerosis, a condition in which arterial plaque accumulation restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and other complications.
Growing evidence from five or more studies suggests that Tongkat Ali may have a positive impact on the heart. It supports cardiovascular function by addressing the root cause of major CVDs such as arterial plaque build-up that restricts the blood flow. While it may not cure heart diseases and should not be consumed if you have a heart disease, Tongkat Ali’s anti-atherosclerotic effects build a strong foundation to support a healthy heart.
“Preventing or reducing the arterial plaque build up through healthy diet and supplementation may reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases” commented Dr. Zamir Hillman – a similar advise from cardiovascular experts and health organizations, such as the American Heart Association.
As prevention is better than cure, it means taking care of your heart begins with the right diet and supplementation.
Tongkat Ali may be good for the heart if taken with regular cardio exercises and balanced diet. Aim for daily 30-minute moderate intensity exercises such as running with moderate dose of 200mg to 400mg.
Early findings showed that Tongkat Ali may support a healthy heart and prevent the risks of major cardiovascular diseases by reducing clogged arteries by lowering LDL levels, thus improving blood flow to the heart and other major organs in your body.
In fact, experts believe a balanced diet, regular exercise, and supplements such as Tongkat Ali are good for the heart and may help decrease the risk of conditions like coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, especially in aging adults above 40.
Standardized Tongkat Ali hot water extract is a safe choice if you worry about heart risks and cardiovascular diseases.
“Taking Tongkat Ali may not raise your heart rate. It helps to regulate the heart rate better when your body is subjected to physical activities” said Tim, a functional health coach based in Florida, USA. He added that taking Tongkat Ali with supplements such as Omega Fish oil over a longer period is the best supplement stack combo to improve your arterial health, helping greater blood flow and regulate your heart rate during endurance-type sports such as marathons.
According to health experts, Tongkat Ali may be taken daily at moderate doses of 200mg-400mg to prevent artery plaque buildups, reduce potential ruptures and improve blood flow to the heart, which is essential in maintaining your overall cardiovascular health and keep your heart in optimal conditions.
Tongkat Ali plays a vital role as an anti-atherosclerosis agent – known as the primary cause of CVD due to the buildup of lipids, cholesterol, and other substances on artery walls. This plaque can eventually narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow from and to the heart. That means your heart needs to work harder to circulate the blood flow in your body to all your organs and muscles.
Many American consumers reported to us that Tongkat Ali has helped them achieve optimal heart rate during exercises, especially for long runs.
Our assessment also showed that Tongkat Ali’s main bioactive ingredients, eurycomanone and glycosaponin, enable better conversion of cholesterol into testosterone through the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the pituitary gland and testes.
“There are sufficient evidence showing Tongkat Ali’s effects in lowering LDL or bad cholesterol, with a significant reduction in triglycerides. Through LH, it helps the better conversion of cholesterol into testosterone.” said Dr. Annie George, leading scientist from Biotropics.
With higher potency obtained from standardized hot water extract, Tongkat Ali is viewed as the go-to supplement that helps reduce excess or bad cholesterol, increase blood circulation and keep the heart rate at optimal levels (even when you are running at a fast pace or during longer distances).
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) when consumed orally may not increase heart rate significantly, but individual responses may vary depending on the dose, type of activities, medical conditions and age. While there is limited research on its direct cardiovascular effects on heart rate, real-world customer feedback showed no significant impact on heart rate, with 8 in 10 users reported that Tongkat Ali did not increase heart rate at doses below 400mg.
Tongkat Ali’s adaptogenic properties are known to enhance energy levels (from higher testosterone production) and reduces premature muscle fatigue. However, higher doses (600–800 mg) might cause mild increase in heart rate in some users who are sensitive to alkaloids or eurycomanone.
At the same time, multiple studies on Tongkat Ali showed lower stress hormones (cortisol levels), which may counterbalance any stimulatory effects that contribute to increased heart rate.
If you are constantly exposed to external stress from physical activities (eg: marathon or endurance running) that require the heart to pump more blood than say a person with a sedentary lifestyle, then taking Tongkat Ali may help to regulate your heart rate, and in some instances, you may experience a lower your heart rate if you are training consistently over a period of six weeks or longer.
Our preliminary analysis on a healthy recreational athlete (45-year-old woman) showed a reduction in the heart rate from an average of 150 bpm to 133 bpm after taking 200mg of Tongkat Ali an hour before each long run (between 17km to 30km).
We found that her heart rate was averaging 130 bpm at a moderate elevation gain of 389 meters, lower than what was recorded (i.e 152 bpm) at 10 meters of elevation gain before Tongkat Ali supplementation. This suggests improvement in heart efficiency from a lower heart rate for the same distance (30km).
If you have an above average fitness level, chances are Tongkat Ali may not increase your heart rate or cause your heart to beat faster.
| Before Taking Tongkat Ali | After Taking Tongkat Ali (200mg)
|
Average Heart Rate (beats per minute) | 144 bpm, 144bpm, 150bpm | 130 bpm, 135bpm |
Total running distance (km) | 23km, 21km, 30km
| 17km, 30km |
Table 1: Summary of Heart Rate (HR) before and after taking standardized Tongkat Ali hot water extract (200mg)
Running Event | Distance | Elevation Gain | Avg. Heart Rate | Calories Burned |
1 | 30.08km | 10m | 152 bpm | 2333 kcal |
2 | 23.01km | 371m | 154 bpm | 1753 kcal |
3 | 42.58km | 247m | 147 bpm | 2762 kcal |
4 | 18.03km | 89m | 135 bpm | 1127 kcal |
5 | 30.00km | 389m | 130 bpm | 1901 kcal |
Table 2: Average Heart Rate, Distance, and Elevation Gains for various running events.
“Iam glad that my performance data shows reduction in heart rate after taking Tongkat Ali before my runs”, said Celine who has been running regularly. She adds there have been noticeable improvements in her energy levels and heart rate. “My data showed regular heart rate with the Zone 2 (135bpm to 155bpm) even when running through high elevation gains after taking 400mg Tongkat Ali” she explained, and now her average heart rate is mostly in Zone 2 (aerobic endurance zone) – which is a relatively safe zone for moderate intensity exercises that helps to prevent injuries and risks from cardiac arrests.
This pilot study shows promising cardiovascular effects of standardized Tongkat Ali extract on heart rate that serves as precursor and leading indicator to your overall heart condition – especially when subjected to stress and energy-consuming physical activities such as endurance running. However, if you have pre-existing heart conditions or sensitivity to stimulants (alkaloids, saponin or natural adaptogenic herbs) you should immediately consult a healthcare provider before using Tongkat Ali. Our observation and analysis suggest that its effects on heart rate are generally mild and not a primary concern for most users.
Several preclinical studies and animal models suggest that Tongkat Ali may contain properties that protect against atherosclerosis, i.e the primary cause of major heart problems and diseases.
While direct human studies on Tongkat Ali’s impact on atherosclerosis are limited, there are promising indications from in-vitro and animal research:
Tongkat Ali may benefit your heart in several ways and known mechanisms are through improvements in endothelial function, blood pressure regulation and optimal testosterone regulation.
However, these benefits are often derived from clinically tested Tongkat Ali products. So you are advised to choose a reputable trusted Tongkat Ali brand, preferably 3rd party lab tested to ensure it is safe for your health.
Buying clinically tested Tongkat Ali products reduce the risks of heart palpitations, heartburn and other major heart diseases.
Clinically tested using standardized Tongkat Ali hot water extract technology is reported to deliver the best bioactive ingredients needed to support a healthy cardiovascular system by improving the arterial blood flow system for the heart to work more efficiently. This translates to a better heart rate when resting, or during rigorous activities.
While clinical data is still limited, research on Tongkat Ali’s potential effects on cardiovascular health is promising. Below is a summary of some of the most pertinent findings:
Despite promising findings, patients diagnosed with heart or cardiovascular diseases are not recommended to consume Tongkat Ali to avoid any severe complications or unwanted side effects. Those who have undergone heart bypass or transplant, and those currently under medication should not use Tongkat Ali until full recovery.
For healthy adults with no underlying medical conditions, the risk of heart attacks, or heart diseases from taking Tongkat Ali is relatively low. This is applicable if you are obese or with high LDL or cholesterol, as we found no evidence that suggests the toxicity risk of contracting heart attacks or heart complications from taking Tongkat Ali.
Users are reminded that there are limitations to consider when taking into account the effect of Tongkat Ali on cardiovascular health:
Tongkat Ali does not cause heart attacks although some users may experience heart palpitations from taking Tongkat Ali that are contaminated with impurities or adulterants.
Tongkat Ali products with additives, bio-enhancers, steroids, and illegal substances such as tadalafil may increase the risks of heart attack, stroke and hypotension, particularly for individuals with severe heart conditions.
Always purchase quality clinically tested and 3rd party lab tested Tongkat Ali and please consult your doctor first. This is to reduce the risks of heart palpitations and other heart complications when consuming Tongkat Ali.
When tested in the real world, the use of Tongkat Ali may directly support cardiovascular health, regulating heart rate at optimal levels while enabling a stronger endurance base that benefits recreational runners and endurance athletes.
According to health experts, a strong cardiovascular system provides muscles with the oxygen and nutrients needed for runners to sustain high speeds over longer distances. When supplemented with Tongkat Ali’s anti-atherosclerotic properties, this may help to contribute to a higher VO₂ max and lactate threshold that helps runners to maintain faster paces for longer.
Our team reached out to a recreational runner who participates in regular marathons to get real-world insights on the impact of Tongkat Ali on cardiovascular health and running performance.
My endurance improved with faster time and still maintained my average heart rate below 155 b.p.m
“My running endurance improved a lot after taking Tongkat Ali. It was my first full marathon where I didn’t walk at all, I ran a steady pace from start to finish, as I felt my body could go the distance.” said 46-year-old Syed Shazli who recently completed the World Marathon Major in Berlin.
An ex-smoker for almost 15 years, Syed’s passion for running eventually led him to stop cold turkey in 2019 to reduce the risk of heart attack due to clotting or arterial damage – a common occurrence amongst smokers who run regularly. He eventually turned to nutritional support and supplements to prevent these risks whilst optimizing his running performance.
After incorporating Tongkat Ali supplementation into his 16-week marathon training plan, it helped improve his VO₂ max (from 49 mL/kg/min to 52 mL/kg/min), cutting down his time to sub 4-hour whilst maintaining his average heart rate at 155 beats per minute during the full marathon race in Berlin. This marked a progressive improvement in his cardiovascular health from the nutrition support of Tongkat Ali over 16 weeks.
Our real-world performance test reflects the cardiovascular system’s capacity to deliver and use oxygen effectively during intense physical activity such as running. And when supplemented by Tongkat Ali, this may support cardiovascular health, translated to higher endurance, stamina and speed. However, more randomized placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness across a large sample size.
Emerging research suggests that Tongkat Ali may support a healthy heart backed by properties that contribute to overall cardiovascular health through its anti-atherosclerotic properties that help better blood flow, lipid modulation, antioxidant activity, and inflammation reduction. This understanding makes Tongkat Ali a natural “heart supplement” for aging and active adults.
By addressing key pathways associated with cardiovascular health, taking Tongkat Ali at moderate doses long term along with exercises may reduce risks related to atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), CAD, PAD, and cerebrovascular conditions.
While preclinical data is promising, real-world tests showed greater endurance by athletes supported by stronger cardiovascular capacity from regular Tongkat Ali consumption. However, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects, the optimal dosages and long-term safety. For now, individuals interested in using Tongkat Ali for cardiovascular health should consult healthcare professionals, especially those diagnosed with heart diseases or managing existing cardiovascular conditions.
References:
Alex Kua leads AKARALI’s Global Partnership Community to help athletes, sports communities, and thousand of others optimize their well-being through evidence-based research that enables them to make better informed decisions. His legal and business consulting background underpins the rigorous data-driven approach in his writing – from hours of interviews, real-world performance data, and firsthand experiences of real people – offering actionable insights that connects clinical research, emerging health trends, and real-world applications. He is also an experienced researcher in herbal nutrition, with years of deep technical knowledge on Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), including quality standards, industry benchmarks, lab tests, clinical trials, and the use of natural herbs by collaborating with top scientists, herbal experts, and nutritionists. As part of the core team behind AKARALI’s knowledge portal, he empowers people worldwide to access the benefits of high-quality herbal nutrition in a way that is effective, sustainable, and safe. He is also an avid runner, with regular participation in local sports communities and running events.
Our articles are third party reviewed by our panel of experts and medical advisors to ensure the facts are accurate and credible. These are validated against multiple source references which include but not limited to research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.
Our panel of medical advisors and experts are highly experienced in their individual fields. However, they do not provide any medical advice or recommendations arising from content published in this article.
Disclaimer:
The content published on this website is for educational purposes and should not be viewed, read, or seen as a prescription or constitute any form of medical advice. We recommend you consult your nearest GP or doctors before consuming Tongkat Ali or any products which contain Tongkat Ali. For further information, kindly refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.
